Goals could be on the agenda as Dundalk host Derry

From 7.45pm Tuesday

Dundalk host Derry City at Oriel Park on Tuesday evening, hanging on in what looks a near-hopeless attempt to catch runaway League of Ireland leaders Cork City.

A whopping 13 points separate the sides and Dundalk may already be hoping that Cork lose Sean Maguire to a British club and begin to struggle as a consequence. Moreover, Cork could be busy in Europe, whereas there is every chance that Dundalk will only have to play two continental matches as they are not seeded in the Champions League.

At the start of the season, Cork were advised in this column at 3-1 and Derry at 20-1. Derry had won all their games before the tragedy of Ryan McBride's death changed everything and they understandably lost their way afterwards.

Still, the Candystripes are gradually coming back to form. Eight points from their last 12 and just two goals conceded in that time is solid. They are more than capable of causing Dundalk problems, as they did when McBride excelled in a 3-1 win earlier in the season in Buncrana.

Before Monday's games, there was a healthy goals-per-game average in the Premier Division of 2.88 and these are two of the best footballing sides in Ireland. Back them both to score at even money. The prices look a little insulting to Derry, too, and they can be backed at 9-2 draw no bet.

Bray wobbled against Bohemians on Friday but have Gary McCabe back for the visit to Drogheda. They are a far better side but few teams have it easy on Boyneside and 4-5 is tight enough about a Seagulls win.

The return of Dinny Corcoran was huge for Bohs in Bray and the Gypsies will be up for the visit of Limerick, whose form is patchy. Young Fuad Sule will need to keep up his excellent form against a strong Shannonsiders midfield but Limerick do not score enough goals and seem a lay at around 6-4.

Recommendations
Both teams to score in Dundalk-Derry
2pts 10-11 general
Derry draw no bet
1pt 9-2 Skybet
Bohemians +0.5 on Asian handicap
2pts 1.65 bet365